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Difference between revisions of "Herald"

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|universe=[[Cosmere]]
  
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
 
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
  
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
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}}
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}}{{spoilers|book=sa3}}
  
 
{{quote
 
{{quote
 
|The Heralds, they were honorable. Perhaps not as divine, but I may even like them more, to know they were once just normal men and women.
  
|The Heralds, they were honorable. Perhaps not as divine, but I may even like them more, to know they were once just normal men and women.
 
|[[Dalinar]] about the Heralds{{book ref|sa3|38}}}}
  
|[[Dalinar]] about the Heralds{{book ref|sa3|38}}}}
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The '''Heralds''' are servants of [[the Almighty]] worshipped in [[Vorinism]]. There are ten Heralds, and each is associated with one of the [[Ten Essences]]. The Heralds are also known as '''Kadasixes''' in [[Azir]]{{book ref|sa2|I|9}}, and the suffix "'Elin" is often appended to their Vorin names, presumably signifying "Herald" or some other honorific.{{book ref|sa1|6}}{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa1|55}}{{book ref|sa1|epilogue}}{{book ref|sa2|prologue}}
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The '''Heralds''' are servants of [[the Almighty]] worshipped across the whole of [[Roshar]]. There are ten of them, with each associated with one of the [[Ten Essences]] and one of the ten orders of the [[Knights Radiant]]. They are known by different names in different cultures -- in [[Azir]], they are known as the '''Kadasixes''',{{book ref|sa2|I|9}} and in [[Vorin]] countries, the suffix "'Elin" is often appended to their names, presumably as a honorific.{{book ref|sa1|6}}{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa1|55}}{{book ref|sa1|epilogue}}{{book ref|sa2|prologue}}
   
 
== History ==
  
== History ==
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The appearance of the Heralds is known to announce the coming of a [[Desolation]]. Between Desolations, the Heralds are trapped in [[Braize]], or Damnation, being tortured by [[voidspren]]. Heralds that die during a Desolation are sent back to Braize; those that survive are supposed to go back voluntarily. The Heralds being there, as established by the [[Oathpact]], prevents the voidspren from returning to Roshar and inhabiting the parshmen, turning them into Voidbringers.
  
The appearance of the Heralds is known to announce the coming of a [[Desolation]]. Between Desolations, the Heralds are trapped in [[Braize]], or Damnation, being tortured by [[voidspren]]. Heralds that die during a Desolation are sent back to Braize; those that survive are supposed to go back voluntarily. The Heralds being there, as established by the [[Oathpact]], prevents the voidspren from returning to Roshar and inhabiting the parshmen, turning them into Voidbringers.
   
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== Attributes and Abilities ==
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== Abilities ==
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Heralds are [[cognitive shadow]]s and not [[Sliver]]s.{{wob ref|4024}} The Heralds wield the [[Honorblade]]s, which predate and are more powerful than [[Shardblade]]s.{{book ref|sa|part=prelude}}
  
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=== Resurrection ===
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Heralds are [[cognitive shadow]]s capable of repeatedly returning back to life.{{wob ref|4024}} While alive, they do not age, allowing them to live for millennia.{{book ref|sa3|117}} Upon death, they are transported to [[Braize]], when they are tortured until one of them breaks. When that happens, they are returned back to life on [[Roshar]].{{book ref|sa3|38}} This process isn't well-understood, though one thing that is certain about it is that unlike the [[Fused]], the Heralds do not hijack human bodies to resurrect.{{wob ref|12029}} Unlike similar resurrected entities, like the [[Nalthis|Nalthian]] [[Returned]], the Heralds don't have to consume [[Investiture]] in order to remain alive.{{wob ref|10581}}
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This ability to resurrect makes the Heralds essentially immortal. Until very recently, there was no way to kill them permanently; as of right now, the only weapon known to be able to put them down for good is [[Vyre's knife]].{{book ref|sa3|121}}
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On the other hand, their nature as cognitive shadows ties the Heralds to Roshar -- while they can travel between Roshar and Braize, they cannot leave the greater [[Rosharan system]].{{wob ref|1537}}
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=== Surgebinding ===
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In addition, each Heralds wields an [[Honorblade]], a sword similar in function to a [[Shardblade]], albeit far more powerful.{{book ref|sa|part=prelude}} Honorblades can be bonded with like regular Shardblades, and allow their wielders to utilize two [[Surge]]s each.{{book ref|sa3|16}} As such, each Herald had access to two Surges. Occassionally, they would swap their Honorblades between each other, allowing them to use other Surges for some time.{{wob ref|3564}}
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[[Spren]] would later copy this ability, thus creating the [[Knights Radiant]], with each order matching the powers of one of the Heralds.{{book ref|sa2|87}} The Radiants have some powers that the Heralds lack -- for example, the Heralds did not have [[squire]]s.{{wob ref|3958}} However, unlike the Knights, the Heralds were powered directly by [[Honor]], and had access to raw levels of power that no Radiant could possibly match.{{wob ref|1572}}{{wob ref|10331}} Additionally, they didn't need to draw Stormlight from gems, which implies they could've drawn it directly from their bond with Honor.{{wob ref|2549}}
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=== Other ===
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Apart from the Surges, Heralds get a number of other advantages, although what precisely they are is uncertain.{{wob ref|3623}}{{wob ref|6898}} It's possible that those include superhuman speed and reflexes.{{book ref|sa2|88}} However, they are also said to have no innate powers, suggesting that whatever they can do is the result of either their connection to Honor or their own experience.{{wob ref|1050}} Moreover, each Herald had their own field of expertise, such as medicine or smithing, and the knowledge of how to teach those skills to others.{{book ref|sa3|47}}
   
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Some of them are more Cosmere-aware than others.{{wob ref|11756}} A few of them are aware of [[AonDor]], but only on a conceptual level.{{wob ref|12021}}
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Some Heralds are more [[Cosmere]]-aware than others.{{wob ref|11756}} A few of them are aware of [[AonDor]], but only on a conceptual level.{{wob ref|12021}}
   
 
== Heralds of the Almighty ==
  
== Heralds of the Almighty ==
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== Trivia ==
  
== Trivia ==
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* In [[The Way of Kings Prime]], the Heralds reincarnated by taking the body of a Rosharan, similar to the [[Fused]], but this is no longer how they return.{{wob ref|12029}}
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* In ''[[The Way of Kings Prime]]'', the Heralds reincarnated by taking the body of a Rosharan, similar to the [[Fused]], but this is no longer how they return.{{wob ref|12029}}
  +
* Also in ''[[The Way of Kings Prime]]'', the Heralds were capable of sensing the location of the Honorblades, although that ability appears to have been dropped when the story changed into its current form.{{wob ref|11609}}
   
 
== Notes ==
  
== Notes ==

Revision as of 22:40, 12 August 2019

Herald
Heralds.jpg
by Isaac Stewart
World of Origin Roshar
Universe Cosmere

“The Heralds, they were honorable. Perhaps not as divine, but I may even like them more, to know they were once just normal men and women. ”

—Dalinar about the Heralds[1]

The Heralds are servants of the Almighty worshipped across the whole of Roshar. There are ten of them, with each associated with one of the Ten Essences and one of the ten orders of the Knights Radiant. They are known by different names in different cultures -- in Azir, they are known as the Kadasixes,[2] and in Vorin countries, the suffix "'Elin" is often appended to their names, presumably as a honorific.[3][4][5][6][7]

History

They were alive during humanity's exodus from Ashyn, though they were not Heralds yet at that point.[8]

The appearance of the Heralds is known to announce the coming of a Desolation. Between Desolations, the Heralds are trapped in Braize, or Damnation, being tortured by voidspren. Heralds that die during a Desolation are sent back to Braize; those that survive are supposed to go back voluntarily. The Heralds being there, as established by the Oathpact, prevents the voidspren from returning to Roshar and inhabiting the parshmen, turning them into Voidbringers.

Abilities

Resurrection

Heralds are cognitive shadows capable of repeatedly returning back to life.[9] While alive, they do not age, allowing them to live for millennia.[10] Upon death, they are transported to Braize, when they are tortured until one of them breaks. When that happens, they are returned back to life on Roshar.[1] This process isn't well-understood, though one thing that is certain about it is that unlike the Fused, the Heralds do not hijack human bodies to resurrect.[11] Unlike similar resurrected entities, like the Nalthian Returned, the Heralds don't have to consume Investiture in order to remain alive.[12]

This ability to resurrect makes the Heralds essentially immortal. Until very recently, there was no way to kill them permanently; as of right now, the only weapon known to be able to put them down for good is Vyre's knife.[13]

On the other hand, their nature as cognitive shadows ties the Heralds to Roshar -- while they can travel between Roshar and Braize, they cannot leave the greater Rosharan system.[14]

Surgebinding

In addition, each Heralds wields an Honorblade, a sword similar in function to a Shardblade, albeit far more powerful.[15] Honorblades can be bonded with like regular Shardblades, and allow their wielders to utilize two Surges each.[16] As such, each Herald had access to two Surges. Occassionally, they would swap their Honorblades between each other, allowing them to use other Surges for some time.[17]

Spren would later copy this ability, thus creating the Knights Radiant, with each order matching the powers of one of the Heralds.[18] The Radiants have some powers that the Heralds lack -- for example, the Heralds did not have squires.[19] However, unlike the Knights, the Heralds were powered directly by Honor, and had access to raw levels of power that no Radiant could possibly match.[20][21] Additionally, they didn't need to draw Stormlight from gems, which implies they could've drawn it directly from their bond with Honor.[22]

Other

Apart from the Surges, Heralds get a number of other advantages, although what precisely they are is uncertain.[23][24] It's possible that those include superhuman speed and reflexes.[25] However, they are also said to have no innate powers, suggesting that whatever they can do is the result of either their connection to Honor or their own experience.[26] Moreover, each Herald had their own field of expertise, such as medicine or smithing, and the knowledge of how to teach those skills to others.[27]

Some Heralds are more Cosmere-aware than others.[28] A few of them are aware of AonDor, but only on a conceptual level.[29]

Heralds of the Almighty

Jezrien

Also known as Jezerezeh in Vorinism, Yaysi in the Iriali and Riran religion[30] and as Yaezir, Kadasix of Kings in Azir.[31] He is associated with the number Jes, the essence Zephyr, and the attributes Protecting and Leading. He is patron of the Order of Windrunners.

Status: deceased; killed by Vyre on Odium's command.
Nale

Also known as Nalan in Vorinism and Nin-son-God in the West, or as Nakku the Judge in Marabethia and surrounding areas.[32]. Nale is the Herald of Justice. He is associated with the number Nan, the essence Vapor, and the attributes Just and Confident. He is patron of the Order of Skybreakers.

Status: alive; sworn to Odium along with most other members of the Order of Skybreakers.
Chanarach

She is often referred to by her nickname, Chana. Also known as Chanaranach in Vorinism. She is associated with the number Chach, the essence Spark, and the attributes Brave and Obedient. She is patron of the Order of Dustbringers.

Status: unknown.
Vedel

Also known as Vedeledev in Vorinism. She is associated with the number Vev, the essence Lucentia (Light), and the attributes Loving and Healing. She is patron of the Order of Edgedancers.

Status: unknown.
Pailiah

Her nickname is Pali. She is associated with the number Palah, the essence pulp, and the attributes Learned and Giving. She is patron of the Order of Truthwatchers.

Status: alive; in Kharbranth, in the Palanaeum.[33][34]
Shalash

Shalash is the Herald of Beauty. Her nickname is Ash. She is associated with the number Shash, the essence Blood, and the attributes Creativity and Honesty. She is patron of the Order of Lightweavers, and may have been the Lightweaver who first captured the Midnight Mother, Re-Shephir.

Status: alive; likely in Urithiru with Talenel.
Battar

Also known as Battah in Vorinism. She is associated with the number Betab, the essence Tallow, and the attributes Wisdom and Care. She is patron of the Order of Elsecallers.

Status: alive; likely in Kharbranth.
Kalak

Also known as Kelek in Vorinism and Kellai in the Iriali and Riran religion.[30] He is associated with the number Kak, the essence Foil, and the attributes Resolute and Builder. He is patron of the Order of Willshapers.

Status: unknown; last seen in Alethkar during the night of King Gavilar's death[7].
Talenel

Also known as Talenelat in Vorinism, Talenel is the Herald of War. He has the nickname Taln. He is associated with the number Tanat, the essence Talus, and the attributes Dependable and Resourceful. He is patron of the Order of Stonewards.

Status: alive; likely in Urithiru with Shalash.
Ishar

Also known as Ishi in Vorinism, Ishar is the Herald of Luck. He is associated with the number Ishi, the essence Sinew, and the attributes Pious and Guiding. He is patron of the Order of Bondsmiths.

Status: alive; currently ruling Tukar as God-Priest.

Quotes

“ The Heralds glow like the sun, wield the Honorblades, and speak with the voices of a thousand trumpets. They could cast down buildings with a command, force the storms to obey, and heal with a touch. ”

— Shallan's recollection on what she was taught about the Heralds.[35]

“ Almighty above, Kalak thought. You’re broken too, aren’t you? They all were. ”

— Kalak's more realistic view on the Heralds.[36]

Trivia

  • In The Way of Kings Prime, the Heralds reincarnated by taking the body of a Rosharan, similar to the Fused, but this is no longer how they return.[11]
  • Also in The Way of Kings Prime, the Heralds were capable of sensing the location of the Honorblades, although that ability appears to have been dropped when the story changed into its current form.[37]

Notes

  1. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 38#
  2. ↑ Words of Radiance interlude I-9#
  3. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 6#
  4. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 18#
  5. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 55#
  6. ↑ The Way of Kings epilogue#
  7. ↑ a b Words of Radiance prologue#
  8. ↑ Skyward Denver signing
    — Arcanum - 2018-11-15#
  9. ↑ /r/fantasy AMA 2011
    — Arcanum - 2011-08-31#
  10. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 117#
  11. ↑ a b Skyward Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2018-11-16#
  12. ↑ Read For Pixels 2018
    — Arcanum - 2018-09-01#
  13. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 121#
  14. ↑ Arcanum Unbounded Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2016-12-06#
  15. ↑ Prelude to the Stormlight Archive#
  16. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 16#
  17. ↑ /r/books AMA 2015
    — Arcanum - 2015-07-16#
  18. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 87#
  19. ↑ General Reddit 2016
    — Arcanum - 2016-10-04#
  20. ↑ Boskone 54
    — Arcanum - 2017-02-17#
  21. ↑ BookCon 2018
    — Arcanum - 2018-06-01#
  22. ↑ Arcanum Unbounded Hoboken signing
    — Arcanum - 2016-12-03#
  23. ↑ /r/books AMA 2015
    — Arcanum - 2015-08-04#
  24. ↑ Words of Radiance Washington, DC signing
    — Arcanum - 2014-03-20#
  25. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 88#
  26. ↑ Salt Lake City Comic-Con 2014
    — Arcanum - 2014-09-04#
  27. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 47#
  28. ↑ Skyward Anchorage signing
    — Arcanum - 2018-11-12#
  29. ↑ Skyward Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2018-11-16#
  30. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 26#
  31. ↑ Words of Radiance interlude I-9#
  32. ↑ Edgedancer chapter 19#
  33. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 33#
  34. ↑ General Signed Books 2017
    — Arcanum - 2017-04-10#
  35. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 63#
  36. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter prelude#
  37. ↑ Skyward San Diego signing
    — Arcanum - 2018-11-07#
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